The former VPI (Virginia Tech) Chapel was built in 1909, and in 1914 it was converted into the campus library. On 31 August 1953, it burned while being dismantled to make room for a new library. The replacement building was later named Newman Library, in honor of Carol Montgomery Newman, a professor, dean of the Academic Department, and head of the English department (1903–1941) at Virginia Tech.
The chapel/library once stood on the same site where the current Newman Library is located. Fortunately, all of the books had been moved out several weeks before the fire.
Inadequate Library … Temple of Termites – 10 April 1950 – World News
Gathering Blacksburg History 